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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uzbekistan
Uzbek World Heritage Sites · UNESCO sites in Uzbekistan map · historical landmarks in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has 5 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List — 4 cultural and 1 natural inscriptions, inscribed between 1990 and 2016. This map of UNESCO sites in Uzbekistan covers every listing, with a short description, the inscription year and the nearest airports — the fastest way to see the country's most important historical sites and landmarks in one place.
Uzbek World Heritage Sites range from Historic Centre of Bukhara onwards; Itchan Kala was the country's first inscription, added in 1990; Western Tien-Shan is the most recent, listed in 2016.
One inscription is transnational, shared with neighbouring countries: Western Tien-Shan. Start with Historic Centre of Bukhara, Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz and Itchan Kala, then use the map above to plan a route between the rest.
- Sites
- 5
- Cultural
- 4
- Natural
- 1
- First inscribed
- 1990
Sites on the map
Inscriptions Uzbekistan shares with other countries are not plotted here — you will find them in the list below.
Flying in
Airports closest to the most sites in this country.
- SKDSamarkand2 sites
- BHKBukhara1 site
- UGCUrgench1 site
- CITShymkent1 site
Keep exploring
All 5 sites in Uzbekistan
List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uzbekistan
Every inscription with its year and category. Open a site for its story, map location and nearest airports.
| Site | Year | Type | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Centre of BukharaBukhara, which is situated on the Silk Route, is more than 2,000 years old. | 1993 | Cultural | Bukhara, which is situated on the Silk Route, is more than 2,000 years old. |
| Historic Centre of ShakhrisyabzThe historic centre of Shakhrisyabz contains a collection of exceptional monuments and ancient quarters which bear… | 2000 | Cultural | The historic centre of Shakhrisyabz contains a collection of exceptional monuments and ancient quarters which bear witness to the city's secular… |
| Itchan KalaItchan Kala is the inner town (protected by brick walls some 10 m high) of the old Khiva oasis, which was the last… | 1990 | Cultural | Itchan Kala is the inner town (protected by brick walls some 10 m high) of the old Khiva oasis, which was the last resting-place of caravans before… |
| Samarkand – Crossroad of CulturesThe historic town of Samarkand is a crossroad and melting pot of the world's cultures. Founded in the 7th century B.C. | 2001 | Cultural | The historic town of Samarkand is a crossroad and melting pot of the world's cultures. Founded in the 7th century B.C. |
| Western Tien-ShanThe transnational property is located in the Tien-Shan mountain system, one of the largest mountain ranges in the… | 2016 | Natural | The transnational property is located in the Tien-Shan mountain system, one of the largest mountain ranges in the world. |
Frequently asked questions about World Heritage in Uzbekistan
- How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in Uzbekistan?
- Uzbekistan has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 4 cultural and 1 natural.
- What was the first World Heritage Site in Uzbekistan?
- Itchan Kala was inscribed in 1990. Itchan Kala is the inner town (protected by brick walls some 10 m high) of the old Khiva oasis, which was the last resting-place of caravans before crossing…
- What is the newest World Heritage Site in Uzbekistan?
- Western Tien-Shan, inscribed in 2016. The transnational property is located in the Tien-Shan mountain system, one of the largest mountain ranges in the world. Western Tien-Shan ranges in altitude fr.
- Which sites in Uzbekistan are natural World Heritage Sites?
- 1 of the 5 listings is natural: Western Tien-Shan.
- Which UNESCO sites in Uzbekistan are easiest to reach?
- Each site page lists the closest airports with distance, so you can pick the gateway city first and work outwards. The "Flying in" panel on this page shows the main gateways for Uzbekistan.
- What are the main historical sites and landmarks in Uzbekistan?
- The 5 UNESCO-listed sites above are Uzbekistan's internationally recognised historical sites and landmarks, starting with Itchan Kala (1990). Each entry links to a full page with a map, photos and travel notes.
- Is there a map of Uzbek World Heritage Sites?
- Yes — the map on this page plots all 5 Uzbek UNESCO World Heritage Sites; click any marker to open that site's page.